Moons are only looking up after 20 years at a pub bought on a whim
Finds big changes at the Chequers in Stanton, where Ian and Sue Moon are settled and happy
IF you know of the Chequers at Stanton by Dale but haven’t been in a while, you might imagine a new pub had been plonked on the same plot when you call in again. The Chequers has emerged from lockdown looking transformed, not least because the white exterior is gone, taken back to the original brick, and it definitely looks better and more in keeping (innkeeping?) with the quiet village near Ilkeston.
Much has been done inside, too, and in an unusual move most of the car park has been turned into a small caravan and camping site – providing an extra revenue stream for the pub.
What has not changed, though, are the licensees. Ian and Sue Moon have just received an award from the owners, Star Pubs & Bars, to mark 20 years in charge and, both turning 60 this year, they have signed up for another 10 years to take them to retirement.
You would think that they are dyed-in-the-wool publicans – and by now, they probably are – but in fact they took over the pub, their first, when they were customers, on a whim, and have never looked back.
The previous landlord told them he was moving on in 1991.
“I said ‘we’ll buy it’” says Ian. “Sue looked astonished, looked at me as if to say ‘Ian, I know you do some impulsive things but...’
“The landlord rang me the next day: ‘Are you serious?’
“I was. It’s a beautiful old pub with a wonderful atmosphere. We couldn’t resist it.”
The Moons, from Ilkeston, already had business interests in the town and initially thought they would put a manager in at the Chequers.
“That was our first mistake,” says Ian. “I think only city and town centre pubs can get away with a manager. In a village like this, it does not work.”
Very soon, the Moons took over themselves, initially commuting from Ilkeston, which, even though it isn’t far, also became a trial.
A couple of years in, they bit the bullet and made the pub their home, too, and there they have been ever since.
They were busy through both full lockdowns, hence the pub’s new look. Ian is forthright about how easy it can be for a pub and its licensees to drift along, admitting that, for a while, they had.
“There were two ways to go,” says Ian. “You could sit and vegetate and do nothing. The flipside was to be proactive and create a wow factor.
“Although we were okay, you can always make it better and it took me a long time to recognise that.
“You have to look really hard at where your future’s coming from in terms of customers.”
He credits the often criticised Star Pubs & Bars for their part in that, especially the Chequers’ current business relationship manager, Amanda Bloor.
“We’ve had Amanda now for three years and by now I see her more as a business partner, really. A good BRM gives you ideas.
“I think Star are a different kettle of fish, I’d describe them as what a pub company should be.
“Without the help they’ve given us during lockdown, we wouldn’t be here.”
The Moons also found the Government’s bounce-back loan scheme ideal, a once in a lifetime opportunity to borrow at particularly advantageous rates, says Ian.
Thus, the first lockdown saw the transformation of the pub’s exterior, with smart new furniture as well as the back-to-brick look. The garden was replanted and a heated outdoor space to seat 48 also has a stage for musicians. The second lockdown involved an extensive refurbishment of the interior.
The Chequers was originally part of a row of cottages and was a grocery store and beerhouse combined in the 1840s before being extended to its current footprint in the 1970s.
It always appeared to have a low ceiling but that was a false ceiling and it’s gone. While that doesn’t, obviously, actually give you more floor space, it gives the impression of more space in what is a relatively small interior and original beams and brickwork has been exposed.
Adding the caravan site – it has room for seven caravans and a tent – was an interesting idea and it brings custom from those in the caravans as well as the rental of the space.
One of the big things about being at a pub a long time is becoming deeply involved with the local community.
Ian and Sue have seen the children of customers grow up and become customers, too and, for years, they have raised cash for the Ilkeston-based charity Ben’s Den, which organises holidays for terminally ill children.
“We absolutely love running the Chequers,” says Ian.
“We hated being forced to close by Covid. Many of our regulars have become fantastic friends. We couldn’t wait to reopen and see them again.
“Revamping the pub was our way of showing our thanks to our customers for their support and giving the village something to look forward to at a difficult time. The response has been amazing.”
They do have a positive eye on how it might end – but not for another 10 years.
“It’s our dream to pass it on to one of our family on our 30th anniversary,” adds Sue.
If you think about popping in for a look, be prepared to meet Ken, the Harris hawk, bought and trained by Sue after she attended a falconry display and was smitten!
You could sit and vegetate and do nothing. The flipside was to be proactive
Ian Moon